An experimental study of the fluid mechanics of filling a small part of modular mold PublicDeposited

Descriptions

Investment casting has been an important form of metal casting
for many years, but little is understood about the fluid flows that
occur during mold filling. A key to quality castings is the
understanding and control of the fluid flows that are present when the
mold is filled with molten metal. It is thought that with a greater
understanding of these flows, better control can be maintained and the
end result will be a more efficient process that produces better parts.
The subject of this thesis is the experimental study of the fluid
mechanics of filling a small part mold. The experiments included
tests on different downsprues, wells, runners, and chokes. The
collected data were analyzed and the following recommendations were
made:
The shape of the downsprue, whether tapered or straight, does
not seem to be important as long as the minimum area is small enough
to provide the required choking.
The use of a well has contributed to the smoothness of a flow,
but its effect can be provided instead by chokes.
Overflow chokes in the horizontal portions of the mold seem to
be more effective than choking in the downsprue, but the use of both
improves the flow.
While runner extensions and underflow chokes might help to
reduce impurities, they do little to help the smoothness of the flow.